Meet the team

Our team is dedicated to supporting you every step of the way on your fostering journey.

Our assessment team is here to guide you through the process of becoming a foster carer. They are experienced professionals who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and young people. Here’s a bit more about what they do -

Fostering Assessing Social Workers and what they do

Fostering social workers play a crucial role in the fostering process. They are responsible for -

conducting assessments - They carry out detailed assessments to ensure that potential foster carers are suitable and ready for the role. This includes home visits, background checks, and gathering references.
providing training - They offer comprehensive training programs to help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to be an effective foster carer.
offering support - They provide ongoing support and guidance throughout your fostering journey, ensuring you have the resources and assistance you need.
matching children with carers - They work to match children with the right foster carers, considering the needs and preferences of both the child and the carer.

Meet Our Assessment Team

Our assessment team is made up of dedicated professionals who are here to support you. They bring a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to helping children and families thrive.

Watch Our Videos

To get a better understanding of what we do and hear from our team, check out these videos:

Meet the Hull Fostering Team -

Assessment Team Manager Sarah
Meet Fostering Assessor Louise.

Friendly faces, here to help

Our team is here to make the fostering process as smooth and supportive as possible. We understand that fostering is a big commitment, and we’re here to answer any questions you have and provide the guidance you need.

Louise

My name is Louise. I am a newly qualified social worker and have recently joined the wonderful assessment team.

I love meeting potential new carers and working with them on their journey through the assessment process. My approach is friendly and I feel it is an honour to be part of the early stages of peoples fostering journey.

In my spare time I love spending time with my family and big friendly Labrador Jovi, after Bon Jovi, walks outdoors, visiting the beach, attending gigs, participating in regular boot camps and playing guitar.

I look forward to meeting you!

Vanessa

Hello, my name is Vanessa, and I am a member of the small team of social workers who assess potential new foster carers.

I qualified as a social worker from the University of Lincoln in 2004 and prior to this I was a nursery nurse. I have worked as a fostering social worker for the past 5 years.

I really enjoy completing assessments and being part of people’s initial journey into foster care. The assessment process can feel quite daunting, but I will try to make it as simple and stress free as possible.

I have 3 teenage children and I am also a foster carer, so I am kept busy outside of work too.

I enjoy spending time with my family, walking my cocker spaniel dog, cycling, and gardening.

I look forward to meeting you and starting your fostering journey!

Melanie

Hi, my name is Melanie. I am one of a small team who assess potential new foster carers. It is a privilege to meet and be a part of people's initial journey into foster carer.

I love spending time with my family and taking the dog for a walk, who is a miniature Dachshund named Slinky.

Going through the assessment process does take a little while, so I will make it as simple and stress free as possible.

I look forward to meeting you.

Louise

Hi, my name is Louise. I am one of a small team who completes assessments of potential foster carers. I have been a fostering social worker since 1999, and I feel privileged to be a part of a foster carer's initial journey.

The assessment process is in-depth and takes a little while to complete and I will make it as simple and stress free as possible.

When I am not working, I love spending time with my family, especially my grandchildren.

I also enjoy pottering in the garden and going for walks with my German Shepherd dog called Elsa.

Souad

My name is Souad, my role within the Fostering team is Accommodation Recruitment Officer. My primary responsibility revolves the recruitment of foster families and supported lodgings providers, with a keen focus on fostering diversity to provide essential support to our unaccompanied asylum seeker or refugee children.

Beyond my professional endeavours, I'm a parent to 2 wonderful children, a boy and a girl. In my leisure time, I enjoy cooking and the exploration of various sights.

Looking forward to meeting you.

Laura

Hi, I am Laura, Hull Fostering’s marketing, recruitment, retention and information officer. I am extremely passionate about identifying more foster families to take the greatest care of our look after children and seeking every opportunity possible to raise the profile of fostering amongst business, communities and anyone who will listen!

My job is very varied as not only am I responsible for marketing, but I am also hugely dedicated to ensuring our foster carers are looked after, supported and feel happy in their fostering roles.

I am a social butterfly and if you join Hull Fostering as a foster carer or supported lodgings provider, it is very likely we will see each other many times at the parties, activities and events I plan or support groups and consultations.

Outside of work, I am married with 2 young boys. I love the sun, but the sun doesn’t like me much being fair haired and pale. I treasure family time and seeing live music and comedy.

Hollie

Hi, my name is Hollie and I am a fostering support worker in a small team who assess potential new foster carers.

When your first make an enquiry about becoming a foster carer it is normally me who you will hear from first and I will come to your home to complete the initial visit and answer any questions you may have about the rest of the process.

When I’m not at work I am normally running around after my little girl or going on days out with the family.

Molly

Hi everyone! My name is Molly and I have recently joined the Fostering Assessment Team. I qualified as a Social Worker in 2017 and have worked in Safeguarding, Pathway Team, Children Looked After Team, Adults Social Care, Hull DAP, Fostering, and Safeguarding Assessment Team since then. I love meeting and building relationships with people and I'm passionate about achieving the best possible outcomes for children!

I love spending time with my two cats, family and friends in my spare time.

I look forward to meeting you and being part of this exciting and rewarding journey with you!